Traverse City Weighs Change In Law For Possession Of Marijuana

May 06, 1996

Traverse City is considering joining some other Michigan communities in easing the punishments for possessing, using or selling small amounts of marijuana. Supporters of relaxed punishments say penalties under state law are too harsh and taxpayers should not have to pay for the jail time. The city commission Monday night is to consider a petition that would make the offenses misdemeanors, with more emphasis on fines of $100 or more and community service than on hard time. The commission is trying to decide whether to put the question to a public vote. The penalties now are up to four years in jail and $20,000 in fines for selling marijuana and a year in jail and $2,000 in fines for possessing it.